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LSAT-Section-1-Logical-Reasoning – Section One : Logical Reasoning

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Showing 55–57 of 430 questions

Question 55

It is well known that many species adapt to their environment, but it is usually assumed that only the most highly evolved species alter their environment in ways that aid their own survival. However, this characteristic is actually quite common. Certain species of plankton, for example, generate a gas that is converted in the atmosphere into particles of sulfate. These particles cause water vapor to condense, thus forming clouds. Indeed, the formation of clouds over the ocean largely depends on the presence of these particles. More cloud cover means more sunlight is reflected, and so the Earth absorbs less heat. Thus plankton cause the surface of the Earth to be cooler and this benefits the plankton.

Of the following, which one most accurately expresses the main point of the argument?

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    The Earth would be far warmer than it is now if certain species of plankton became extinct,
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    By altering their environment in ways that improve their chances of survival, certain species of plankton benefit the Earth as a whole.
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    Improving their own chances of survival by altering the environment is not limited to the most highly evolved species.
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    The extent of the cloud cover over the oceans is largely determined by the quantity of plankton in those oceans.
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    Species such as plankton alter the environment in ways that are less detrimental to the well-being of other species than are the alterations to the environment made by more highly evolved species.
Question 56

It is well known that many species adapt to their environment, but it is usually assumed that only the most highly evolved species alter their environment in ways that aid their own survival. However, this characteristic is actually quite common. Certain species of plankton, for example, generate a gas that is converted in the atmosphere into particles of sulfate. These particles cause water vapor to condense, thus forming clouds. Indeed, the formation of clouds over the ocean largely depends on the presence of these particles. More cloud cover means more sunlight is reflected, and so the Earth absorbs less heat. Thus plankton cause the surface of the Earth to be cooler and this benefits the plankton.

Which one of the following accurately describes the argumentative strategy employed?

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    A general principle is used to justify a claim made about a particular case to which that principle has been shown to apply.
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    An explanation of how a controversial phenomenon could have come about is given in order to support the claim that this phenomenon did in fact come about.
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    A generalization about the conditions under which a certain process can occur is advanced on the basis of an examination of certain cases in which that process did occur.
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    A counterexample to a position being challenged is presented in order to show that this position is incorrect.
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    A detailed example is used to illustrate the advantage of one strategy over another.
Question 57

The top priority of the school administration should be student attendance. No matter how good the teachers, texts, and facilities are, none of these does any good if few students come to school.

The pattern of reasoning in the argument above is LEAST similar to that in which one of the following?

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    The top priority of a salesperson should be not to alienate customers. Honesty and a good knowledge of the product line are useful to a salesperson only if the customer feels at ease.
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    The top priority of a person lost in the wilderness should be food-gathering. Knowing how to find one's way back or how to build a comfortable shelter does one no good if one does not have enough food to survive.
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    The top priority of a detective should be to gather physical evidence. High-tech crime lab equipment and the most sophisticated criminological analysis are of no use if crucial clues are not gathered.
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    The top priority of a library should be to maintain its collection of books. A knowledgeable staff and beautiful facilities are of no value if there is an inadequate supply of books to lend.
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    The top priority of a criminal defense lawyer should be to ensure that innocent clients are found not guilty. Such clients can justly be released from jail and resume their normal lives if they are found not guilty.